A Tribute to... Our Communities, Our Students ... - Olympic College

Shelton Campus Fires Up
Welding Program
“The welding program
in Shelton allows students
to pursue welding
certificates and degrees
much closer to home.
”
I AM...Dr. Dick Strand,
OC dean of Business and
Technology
The Shelton campus had a new
program arrive in 2007. Welding, a
staple on the Bremerton campus for
sixty years, expanded to Mason County to
meet the increasing need for high-demand
welding skills in the area.
In fall 2007, the college partnered with
Shelton High School to offer welding
training that would benefit both high school
and college students in the highly industrial
Shelton area. Based on local salary figures,
entry level welders can make between
$14 and $15 per hour at manufacturing
companies and $20 or more per hour in
shipyards.
Ron Buchanan, a student in the program,
is a testament to the demand for trained
welders in the area. Buchanan got a job
before completing his welding degree.
“This program has prepared me for what’s
expected,” said Buchanan.
The welding program was partially funded
by a $192,500 high demand grant from the
state to help create a more highly trained
welding workforce. By bringing the program
to Shelton, students would be able to stay
in Shelton, rather than traveling to the
Bremerton campus or elsewhere.
“This program allows students to pursue
welding certificates and degrees much closer
to home,” said Dr. Richard Strand, dean of
Business and Technology. “It also serves the
needs of employers by providing a larger,
closer employment base.”
After gauging student demand and receiving
positive responses to the program, Olympic
College applied for a grant to move welding
instruction to a larger facility from the high
school. In fall 2008, the welding program will
start anew in the Bronze Works, a foundry
near Shelton that will be refurbished and
adapted to meet the needs of the college.
With state-of-the-art welding and cutting
equipment and clean air technology, the
2,600-square-foot facility will be transformed
into a full-service welding training facility.
In addition to the welding program, Olympic
College is exploring plans to add electronics
and manufacturing programs to Bronze
Works in the coming years.
“Anytime we can provide residents and
employers with new programs, it’s a good
thing,” said Strand.
“I feel teaching is a special calling. All people
are called to live out their lives on this earth and
use their gifts to make the world a better
place. It’s amazing to me the transformation that
takes place in people’s lives when they get a
glimpse of the possibilities.
”
I AM...Chris Hobson, OC welding instructor for the new
Shelton welding program
2007–2008 OLYMPIC COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 7